“We face serious and existential challenges at regional and international levels, a matter that necessitates consensus among major countries. We count on this economic bloc (BRICS) to be a voice for the Global South and developing countries,” said Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in an interview with Russia Today.
The collective rise of the Global South is a distinctive feature of the great transformation across the world. Today the Global South represents over 70 percent of the world’s population and more than 40 percent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product. But they are relatively under-represented on the world stage. BRICS, which recently held its 16th Summit in Kazan, Russia from Oct 22 to 24, stands at the forefront of the Global South focusing on pooling collective wisdom to open up new prospects for development and prosperity for all developing countries.
At the summit, China called on BRICS to uphold peace, strive for common security and common prosperity and promote the flourishing of all civilizations. These proposals respond to the Global South’s urgent need for peace, development and cooperation, and are consistent with China’s Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.
China will always be a member of the Global South. Solidarity and cooperation with fellow developing countries is the unshakable foundation of China’s foreign relations. China believes that global modernization should be pursued through the joint efforts of all countries, in a way that promotes peaceful development and mutually beneficial cooperation bringing prosperity to all. This goal is consistent with China’s vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind.
China’s announcement is matched with concrete actions and tangible outcomes. Over the years China has provided development assistance to over 160 countries, conducted development cooperation with more than 150 countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, energized cooperation with more than 100 countries, the UN and many other international organizations under the Global Development Initiative, provided nearly US$20 billion of development funds and carried out over 1,100 projects. China’s steady contribution to the development of the Global South has empowered the construction of an equal and orderly multipolar world.
Through the concerted efforts of China, Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa, BRICS countries have successfully expanded their ranks by welcoming new members. This year’s summit marks the start of the “Greater BRICS Cooperation”. China also proposed the “BRICS Plus” cooperation model. During the Kazan Summit, more than 20 leaders or representatives of invited guest countries from Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America and heads of six international organizations attended the “BRICS Plus” Leaders’ Dialogue. The BRICS mechanism is now widely regarded as an inclusive platform for development and growth. It is fundamentally different from the closed-door clubs run by some countries bearing all the marks of rigid Cold War mentalities and bloc confrontation.
China made this commitment at the summit that it will always keep the Global South in its heart, and maintain its roots in the Global South. When members of the Global South pull together, great power will be unleashed for their own people’s well-being and for all humanity living in our community with a shared future.
The author is a commentator on international affairs. The views don’t necessarily represent those of China Daily.
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